Automatic parking meter



March 17, 1953 G. A. HALE AUTOMATIC PARKING METER 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 5 1950 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY March 17, 1953 G. A. HALE AUTOMATIC PARKING METER 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 3, 1950 ww v 2 -52: o

I N V EN TOR. M {Q 04' WM QWMW ATTORNEY March 17, 1953 G. A. HALE 2,631,710

AUTOMATIC PARKING METER Filed Aug. 5, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VEN TOR.

GWWW

AT TORNEY March 17, 1953 HALE 2,631,710

AUTOMATIC PARKING METER Filed Aug- 5, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Mar. 17, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE AUTOMATIC PARKING METER Gerald A. Hale, Oklahoma City, Okla.

Application August 3, 1950, Serial No. 177,429

17 Claims. 1

This invention relates to an automatic parking meter for indicating the parking time on city streets, and analogous places.

The present invention contemplates an automatic self-winding type parking meter which is wound and placed in operation by the force of the operators finger through the medium of the coin inserted in the coin slot. The force exerted upon the coin is utilized to operate an actuating mechanism in turn winding the clock works of the meter, and moving a coin rotatorinto coin receiving position. The coin is moved through the meter by the spring loaded coin rotator to actuate the resetting mechanism. The time indicator is momentarily released by the resetting mechanism to return to a starting position under the energy of a spring, such starting position being regulated by a stop mechanism cooperating with the resetting mechanism. The movement of the resetting mechanism, and the stopping position of the stop mechanism is dependent upon the denomination of the coin inserted in the meter, in order that the parking time obtained will vary according to the denomination of the coin. The time indicator is connected to a'gear train of a time means; however, upon operation of the reset mechanism, the indicator is momentarily disengaged from the clock train to allow resetting thereof to a predetermined starting position. After resetting, the indicator is re-engaged with the clock train to cooperate with the clock in determining the parking time utilized.

It is also contemplated to provide a parking meter wherein the actuating mechanism is locked in such a position to close the coin slot during operation of the resetting mechanism. In this manner, a second coin of required denomination cannot be inserted in the coin slot to jam the reset and indicating mechanism in such a position that parking time would be indicated as available. ihe closed coin slot also prevents anyone from fishing a coin previously inserted in the meter. In addition, the resetting mechanism is locked when the actuating mechanism is moved away from the coin slot, thereby preventing tripping of the reset mechanism except by the insertion of a coin in the meter.

An important object of this invention is to provide a fully automatic parking meter wherein the clock works of the meter are wound by the force of the operators fingers through the insertion of a coin in the meter.

A further object of this invention is to provide a parking meter which is operable on more than one denomination of coins as well as multiple coins of each of the denominations.

Another object of this invention is to provide a parking meter wherein the extent of winding of the clock works upon the insertion of a coin in the meter may be varied as desired.

Another object of this invention is to provide a parking meter wherein a coin inserted in the meter is moved through the meter by the energy of a spring to actuate the resetting and indicating mechanisms.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a parking meter which cannot be jammed by the successive insertion of two or more coins.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a parking meter wherein the coin slot is closed during operation of the reset mechanism.

A further object of this invention is to provide a parking meter wherein the reset mechanism is locked in an inoperative position as long as the coin slot is open.

Another object of this invention is to provide a parking meter readily adapted for use with a similar meter in an single meter housing to provide a twin meter.

And an additional object of this invention is to provide a parking meter which is fully automatic, durable and simple in construction to facilitate the maintenance and adjustment thereof.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be evident from the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate my invention.

In the drawings:

' Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the meter with the front half of the housing removed illustrating the meter when the parking time has expired, with portions of the meter shown in dotted lines to illustrate part of the operation.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 illustrating the meter in operation.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken essentially on lines 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a detail View illustrating the relationship of the rear actuating lever and the main spring barrel.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing the positions assumed by the rear actuating lever and main spring barrel upon the insertion of a coin in the meter.

Figure 6 is a detail illustrating the relationship aux-31,710

3 of the front actuating lever and the coin rotator.

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 showin the parts in operation.

Figure 8 is a detail illustrating the relationship of the front actuating lever and the reset lever.

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 illustrating the parts in one operation.

Figure 10 is a view also similar to Figure 8 illustrating a second operation of the parts.

Figure 11 is a detail of the Warning flag actuating mechanism in non-operating position.

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 11 illustrating the mechanism in operation.

Referring to the drawings in detail and particu arly Figures 1, 2 and 3, reference character it desi nates a novel parsing meter mechanism generally. The parking meter mechanism 5 3 is disposed in a sectional housing iii havin a hinged connection permitting opening thereof. A coin inlet slot is provided in one side thereof and a coin discharge slot ii" in the lower portion thereof. An arcuate shoulder it is provided above the coin slot and a shoulder i9 is provided below the coin slot it for purposes as will be hereinafter set forth. An arcuately shaped coin chute it is provided in the housing 55 and extends from below the coin slot it to a point slightly above the coin discharge slot ll. The coin chute lid is essentially i..shaped in cross section. and has an arcuate slot iii in the vertical leg thereof. A suitable coin stop is provided in spaced relation to the lower end 23 of the coin chute 252.

The meter i comprises a pair of stationary (Fig. 3) front rear plates 2 and. 255 respec tively, interconnected by a plurality of bolts (not shown). The rear plate is suitably secured. (not shown) to the housing iii. A time-indicating' dial 26, having appropriate time marking 2i thereon, is secured to the upper end of the front plate screws 28.

As clearly shown in Figure 3, a main shaft extends through the rear plate 25 and is journaled in the front plate 2d. The outer end of the main shaft is adapted to receive a winding handle (not shown) as will be hereinafter set forth. A. main sprin barrel Si is rigidly secured to the outer end B l of shaft 2%, adjacent the rear plate 25. A main spring 32 is disposed in the spring barrel and has its outer end frictionally connected to the spring barrel 3! in the usual manner. The inner end of the main spring is secured by a clip to the hub 3% of a main time gear 3?. The hub is rotatably disposed on the main shaft 29 and extends into the main spring barrel 3L- as shown in Figure 3. The main time gear 3? meshes with a pinion provided on a shaft 35 for interconnecting to a timer or escapeinent i.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the main spring barrel 3i is utilized to wind the main spring upon rotation of the main shaft .29 and barrel iii. The main spring 32, through the medium of the clip and hub 3%, drives the main time gear ill. The speed of rotation of the main time gear 3'! is regulated and controlled by the timer til through the medium or the pinion 8 and shaft 39.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, an arcuate closure element A l, hereinafter termed a duck-bill because of its shape, is normally disposed in the coin inlet slot it. The duck-bill is pivotally carried on a pin 32 between the front and rear actuatin levers 53 and 3d respectively (Figs. l and 6). An extension i5 is provided on the upper end of the duclz bill [ii adjacent a horizontally disposed stop pin 55, also secured in the front and rear actuating levers 33 and t l. The stop pin is disposed on the outer side of the extension 55, thereby precluding the duck-bill ll from pivoting counter-oloclrwise on the pin The duel bill ii may, however, be pivoted clockwise as will be hereinafter set forth. The front actuating lever d3 (Fig. 6') is pivotally disposed on a pin ii secured in the stationary front plate The rear actuating lever ts (F e is p vctally disposed on a pin ts secured in the sta ionary rear plate 25, in aligned relationship (not shown) with the pin it is, therefore, apparent that the actuating niechainsrn, comprising lever and ts and duck-bill it, may be pivoted as a unit about a horizontal axis extending through the pivot pins ll and The rearwardly disposed actuating levers (Fig. l) is provided wih plurality of apertures is spaced at varying distances from the pivot pin 58. A winding pawl fill is pivotally secured by a pin 5i in one of the apertures The pawl engages gear teeth 52 provided on the outer periphery of the niain spring barrel housl rotate the barrel 35 when the rear actu L t is rotated in a clockwise direction the pin The degree of rotation of the main spring barrel Eli, upon a predetermined degree of rotation of the lever i l, may be varied as desired by selectively securing the pawl 5a in a desired aperture ti A s table stop pawl is disposed essentially diametrically opposite the winding pawl to preclude counter-clocirwise rotation of the barrel ill. The pawl lit is pivotally carried on a pin 5 3 secured (not shown) in the stationary rear plate 25. A leaf spring is anchored by a pin secured (not shown) to the rear plate 25. The spring constantly urges the pawl 5 into engagement with the teeth 52.

A. cam surface 5? (Fig. 6) is provided on the upper rear portion of the front actuating lever and is adapted to contact a push pin of a coin rotator E9. The coin rotator 59 (see also 3) is essentially circular shaped and is rotatably disposed on the main shaft 29. A slotted extension 68, having its topmost end enclosed, is provided on the periphery of the coin rotator 59 for purposes as will he ereinafter set forth. An L-shaped pawl (Fig. 6) is pivctally secured on a pin on the side of the coin rotator 5% adjacent the front actuating lever 3; A shoulder lid is provided on the lower leg of the pawl t2 adjacent the lower end thereof. The shoulder is adapted to engage a lock it carried by the lever hen the rotator and lever it are in one position 7). The upper leg 62b of the pawl is normally retained contact with the push by action a suitable leaf spring ts anchored by a pin ill to the coin rotator A suitable coil spring Ell or. connected to the pin is anchored (r t shown) to the front plate and constantly tends to rotate the coin rotator 59 in a counter clockwise direction (Figs. 6 and T) As shown i, a coin til being inserted in the coin slot ill will contact the outer curved surface or of the duck-bill and since the duck-hill as is prevented frobeing rotated counter-clockwise by the stop pin ill, the force of the operators fingers, through the medium of the coin d9, will move the duck-hill it up wardly and clockwise (Figs. 1, 6 and 7) to pivot the actuating levers and it. The diameter of the coin til obviously determines the height to which the duck-bill 4| is moved, and hence the degree of rotation of the levers 43 and 44. Since the winding pawl 50 (Fig. 4) is moved simultaneously with the actuating lever 44 to rotate the spring barrel 3|, the degree of rotation of the barrel 3| and hence the extent of winding the main spring 32 is dependent upon the size of the coin 69.

It will be apparent, however, that the difference in the extent to which the main spring 32 is wound for the various denominations of coins used, usually pennies and nickels, will be relatively small. With the winding pawl 5e secured to the lever 44 in the position shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a penny inserted in the meter I4 will cause the main spring 32 to be wound more than is necessary for the parking time obtained, as will be hereinafter set forth, and a nickel inserted in the meter I4 will cause the main spring 32 to be wound less than is necessary for the parking time obtained. In the usual parking meter installation, however, the various vehicle owners will insert a plurality of both pennies and nickels in the parking meter. Therefore, over a period of time, the main spring 32 will be maintained under sufficient tension by the insertion of pennies to assure operation of the meter I4 for one hour as will be hereinafter set forth, when a nickel is inserted therein. As previously set forth, the position of the winding pawl 50 may be varied to vary the extent of winding the main spring 32, according to the application of the meter I4. In addition, the spring 32 may be periodically wound by turning the main shaft 29 with a winding handle (not shown) to further assure sufiicient tension being maintained in the spring 32 for the continued operation of the meter I4.

As the front actuating lever 43 is rotated clockwise to the position shown in Fig. '7, the cam portion 51 will co-act with the push pin 58 to simultaneously rotate the coin rotator 59 and pawl 62 in a clockwise direction. It is to be noted that the pivotal radius of the pawl 62 (the distance from any point on the pawl 62 to the main shaft 29) is greater than the pivotal radius of the lock pin 65 (the distance between the pin 65 and the pin 41). Therefore, as the pawl 62 and lock pin 65 are simultaneously rotated in a clockwise direction, the pawl 62 will come into contact with and move over the pin 65 to slightly compress the leaf spring 65. When the coin rotator 59 reaches its uppermost position, as shown in Fig. '7, the shoulder 64 on the pawl 62 engages the lock pin 65. The tension induced in the spring 68 is thereby transmitted through the medium of the coin rotator 59, pawl 62, and the lock pin 65 to the actuating lever 43 and duck-bill 4|. The slotted extension 50 of the rotator 59, will then be in coin receiving position as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 and opposite the coin slot I6.

As the coin 69 is moved further into the coin slot I6 so that the vertical center line (not shown) thereof passes inside the lower end 12 of the duck-bill 4|, the duck-bill 4| will be free to pivot clockwise. The force of the spring I53 will then cause the lower end 12 of the duck-bill 4| to jump to the outer or trailing edge of the coin 69 into contact with the arcuate shoulder I8 (Fig. 1) and force the coin on into the slotted extension 60. As the duck-bill 4| is released by the coin 69, the front actuating lever 43 and coin rotator 59 are caused to rotate counter-clockwise.

As previously noted, the pivotal radius of pawl 62 (Fig. 6) is greater than the pivotal radius of the lock pin 65. Therefore, during the first few degrees of counter-clockwise rotation of the rotator 59, the duck-bill 4| will be moved to provide a closed position of the coin slot I6 as shown in Figs. 1 and 6; whereas, the coin rotator 53 moves only a few degrees. As soon as the lower end I2 of the duck-bill 4| contacts the shoulder [9 in the housing I5, the pawl spring 66 will be compressed, permitting the shoulder 64 to be disengaged from the lock pin 65. The coin rotator 59 is then allowed to continue rotating in a counter-clockwise direction to carry the coin 69 downwardly as will be hereinafter set forth.

The reset lever I3 (Fig. 1) is rotatably secured by a pin 14 to the stationary front plate 24 in downwardly spaced relation to the main shaft 29. One arm I5 of the reset lever 13 is normally disposed in essentially a horizontal position and extends to a point slightly below the coin inlet slot I5. An actuating pin 16 is secured to the outer end of the arm I5 and extends transversely to the front plate 24 into the slot 2| of the coin chute 2B. A sector TI is secured to the lower side of the arm 15 and etxends to a point directly above the coin discharge slot H. The lower end I8 of the sector IT is adapted to contact the actuating pin 19 of a detent 80. The detent Si! is pivotally secured by a pin 8| to the front plate 24 and has a portion 82 (see also Fig. 3) of its lower end bent inwardly. The portion 82 is adapted to move into an arcuate slot 83 provided in the front plate 24 when the detent 83 is rotated in a clockwise direction.

A suitable spring 84 is anchored at 85 to the fornt plate 24 and is connected by a pin 86 to the reset lever 13 and constantly tends to rotate the reset lever IS in a clockwise direction (Fig. 1). The pivot pin 41 of the front actuating lever 43 acts as a stop (Fig. 1) for the reset lever I3. A look pin 81' (Figs. 1 and 8) is secured to the upper end of the reset lever I3 and extends through an arcuate slot 88 provided in the front plate 24 into proximity with the front actuating lever 43. A

slot 83 (Fig. 8) is provided in the actuating lever 43 to receive the pin 8? upon rotation of the lever 43, as will be hereinafter set forth. The slot 89 is formed on the arc of a circle (not shown) having its center line in the actuating lever pivot pin 41. A cam surface 90 is provided on the rear edge of the actuating lever 43 slightly below the slot 83. The cam surface 90 is formed on the arc of a circle (not shown) having its center line in the reset lever pivot pin 14 when the lever 43 is in the position shown in Fig. 8.

When the actuating lever 43 is in the position shown in Fig. 8, it will be apparent that the duck-bill or closure member 4| is disposed in the coin slot 55, as shown in Figs. 1, 8 and 9, and the reset lever i3 is rotated counter-clockwise to the position shown in Fig. 9, the lock pin 81 will move into contact with the cam surface 9|) and preclude clockwise rotation of the actuating lever 43. Conversely, when the reset lever I3 is in the position shown in Figs. 1, 8 and 10, and the front actuating lever 43 is moved in a clockwise direction to the position shown in Fig. 10 (as when a coin is inserted in the slot I6), the slot 89 will move over the lock pin 8! and preclude counter-clockwise rotation of the reset lever 13. Thus when the reset lever I3 is in a down position, as will hereinafter be set forth, the duck-bill 4| will be locked in the coin slot IE to preclude the insertion of a fresh coin or the like, which would jam the r'eset'lever it. Also, when the duck-bill it is moved upwardly, the reset lever I3 will he lookeol in an up position to preclude the mischievous tripping thereof and the consequent resetting of the meter.

As shown in Fig. 1, the reset lever actuating pin it; is disposed in the path of the coin 69 when the coin is moved downwardly by the coin rotator 59. However, the slotted extension Ell is so positioned on the periphery of the coin rotator 5% that the upper end iii thereof does not come into contact with the coin until the duck-bill at has closed the coin slot s and the reset lever 53 is unlocked. As soon as the reset lever is s unlocked from the front actuating lever the coin {it contacts the reset lever rotuating pin it and rotates the reset lever it counterclockwise. As previously the pivot point Til oi the reset lever it is below the pivot shaft 28 of the coin rotator Therefore, as the reset lever '23 and coin rotator are simultaneously rotated in a counter-clock se direction, the pin moves outwardly with respect to the periphery of t .e coin rotator 553. The coin $8 will continue rotat ing the reset lever 53 counter-clockwise through the medium of the actuating p n until the distance between the pin a a the periphery of the coin rotator 58 is slightly gr eater hen the diameter of the coin The actuating it will then he released, permitting the spring as to reverse the movement of the re r in a clockwise direction until the arm 5 contacts the pin ll. The coin Ell will he mover clot-rm wardl'y along the coin chute 253 by the action of the coin rotator 5t. I is thus readily seen that the diameter of the coin inserted in the meter determines the extent to which the reset lever is is moved.

Simultaneous with the counter-clockwise movement of the reset lever 53, the lower end of the curved sector it coasts with the actuating pin iii to rotate the detent clockwise, moving the lower end 22 thereof into the slot 83. A coin (not shown) previously resting on the lower end of the cletent so and nst the coin stop 22 is thereby permitted. to i gravity through the coin discharge slot it into a suitable coin box (not shown). When the set lever i is rotated clockwise, the ole-tent is released and permitted to move counter-cloclzwise to the position as shown in Fig. i.

A link 5i! (Fig. l) is pivotally connected. by 1 pin 92 to the upper portion. of he reset le"er 3 The lever Si is connected. at er to one end of a cluster sr and 3). The cluster shaft ext ncls enlarged aperture 9:? in the i'ront plate upportecl at its opposite end by a supper nectecl (not shown) to the rear stationary plate 25 by a pin A. cluster (ii is rotatably disposed on the cluster shaft between the front and rear plates 24 and A. time gear Q3 is secured on one end of the spool ill and is adapted to engage the main time gear 53?, as shown in Figure 3. A. i. g r $9 is secured on the opposite end. of 5 suitable indicator ti} secur cl the'eto. A spring lei is anchored to the front plate and connectezl at its. opposite ens. shown) to the ratchet gear 6t, and tends to rotate =ticn (Figs. 1 and. 2). i s rotataoly o'isposecl on the cluster shaft 53 a "306111: the outer face the front plate Tie ratchet its comprises a yoke having an upper arm iI-i tlli'i a lower arm iii? counter-clockwise direction. Hit has its outer end cent inwardly above the plate 23 to act as a stop for the ratchet a. small tooth (the penny tooth) anti a larger tooth lit (the nickel tooth) are in circuniierentially spaced. relation on the ratchet 652. The teeth iii?) and. iii} to engage a stop pawl iii rotata'ely pinned at it to the front plate The outer end of ac pawl i i! is counteiweightecl to ret ing end of the pawl in the of and i is as will he hereinafter set When the reset lever clockwise by the coin as the reset lever 33 through the E32 and lint: 2i raises the reset cius will be noted that the s orting opposite end. of the ssh i A, e teeth lot relatively small, such i ls on the ratchet stop pawl iii ratchet 562 to t c 2 during e10 I on t" event the coin a nickel, the 0 will be raised suiilciently high t tooth i will clear or move above s l 5. However, the large tooth i it"; "-gnt into posi. on to engage the stop pawl E i. i, so the indicator will be moved to point opposite one inclication on the oial When the reset lever is released by the coin 59 and permitted to be rotated in a clockwise direction by the action or the spring @3 3, the cluster shaft lit will obviousl Dur ing the initial downward movement of the the cluster time gear lit engages the time gear 3?. Immediately subsequent to the engagement of the gears 98 and the ratchet pawl Hi5 will contact a semi-circular extension H6 of the plate 24! and be disengaged from the ratchet gear teeth i to release the indicator The main spring through the medium its. of the main time gear and timer will then be permitted to drive the cluster time gear and indicator lot in a counter cieclrwise direction, When the ratchet pawl its is disengaged from the ratchet gear $9, the ratchet lot is immediately rotated counter-clockwise bythe action of the pawl spring I01 until the lower arm I 04 contacts the upper surface (Fig. 2) of the stationary front plate 24. It Will be readily seen that the stop pawl III Will pivot about the pin H2 to permit movement of the small tooth I09 thereover during the counter-clockwise movement of the ratchet I02.

The warning flag mechanism, utilized to notify the operator when the parking time has expired, as well as when the meter is jammed, is illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12. The cluster shaft supporting lever 95 is provided with a raised cam surface I I5 in downwardly spaced relation to the cluster shaft 93. The cam H5 is adapted to contact an actuating pin H6 carried by a flag actuating lever Ill. The actuating lever II! is pivotally supported on a pin II8 secured to the stationary rear plate 25 (see also Fig. 3). A semicircular recess H9 is provided in the free end of the actuating lever ill for purposes as will be hereinafter set forth. The warning flag I is pivotally supported on the pin I2I also secured (not shown) in the rear plate 25. A push pin 122 is provided on the flag I20 directly above the actuating lever I I1 and in horizontally spaced relation to the pivot pin I2 I. The outer end I23 of the flag I20 is provided with a counterweight I24 suitable to facilitate the raising of the flag I20. The effective weight of the flag I20 on the opposite side of the pivot pin I2I, however, re mains greater than the effective weight on the end I23 thereof in order that the flag I20 will pivot by gravity to the zero or non-indicating position, as shown in Fig. 11.

As previously set forth, when the cluster shaft 93 is raised, the supporting lever 95 is pivoted clockwise (Fig. 11) about the pin 90. The cam H5 is thereby brought into contact with the actuating pin I IE to pivot the actuating lever I H in a counter-clockwise direction about the pin H8. The free end of the lever H1 is therefore raised to contact the pin I22 and rotate the flag I20 in a clockwise direction into warning position as illustrated in Fig. 12. The recess I I9 permits the lever I I! to move over the flag pivot pin i2I as illustrated in Fig. 12 to complete the upward movement of the flag I20. The flag I20 will then be visible through the sight glass I (Fig. 3) provided in the rear of the housing I5.

When the cluster shaft 93 is again lowered upon release of the reset lever 73, the supporting lever 95 is pivoted counter-clockwise to disengage the cam II5 from the actuating pin H0. The actuating lever II! is then permitted to pivot clockwise by gravity to free the flag actuating pin I22. The flag 120 will then obviously pivot counterclockwise to a non-indicating position below the sight glass I25. It will thus be seen that each time a coin is inserted in the meter to actuate the reset lever 13, the warning flag I20 is momentarily raised, and in the event the reset lever 13 is jammed in a down position, the flag I20 will be retained in a raised position and be visible through the sight glass I25. When the reset lever I3 is jammed in a down position, the indicator I00, as previously set forth, will be set in such a position to indicate available parking time on the dial 26. However, the Warning flag I20 will be simultaneously visible through the sight glass I25 to notify the operator and city officials that the meter is jammed and not operating correctly.

The actuating pin I 58 (Figs. 3 and 11) extends beyond the supporting lever 05 and cam II5 into an arcuate slot I20 provided in the cluster time gear 98. Assuming the time gear 98 is rotating in a clockwise direction (Fig. 12) when the parking time has expired, the trailing edge I2'I of the slot I26 will contact the actuating pin I I0 to pivot the actuating lever H1 in a counter-clockwise direction. It will thus be seen that the flag I20 will be pivoted into indicating position to notify the operator that the parking time has expired. When the indicator I00 is reset, as previously set forth, the cluster time gear 98 will be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction (Figs. 11 and 12) to the position shown in Fig. 11. The trailing end I2I of the slot I26 will thus be moved away from the actuating pin H6, permitting the actuating lever III to pivot in a clockwise direction and release the flag I20.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the operator and the city officials will be notified through the medium of the warning flag I20 when the parking time has expired as well as when the meter I4 is not operating correctly.

Penny operation Assuming the parking time has expired, the indicator I00 will be opposite the zero time marking on the dial 26 as illustrated in Fig. 1. When a penny 09 is inserted in the coin slot I 6, the force of the operators fingers through the medium of the penny will force the duck-bill M upwardly to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1. The front and rear actuating levers 43 and 00 will be simultaneously rotated. The winding pawl (Fig. 4) will rotate the main spring barrel. 3| during rotation of the actuating lever M to simultaneously wind the main spring 32. Simultaneously, the cam surface 5'! (Fig. 6) of the front actuating lever 43 will co-act with the push pin 58 to rotate the coin rotator 59 in a clookwise direction and bring the slotted extension 60 into coin receiving position as illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 1 and full lines in Fig. 7. The shoulder 04 (Fig. 6) of the rotator pawl 62 will be simultaneously engaged with the actuating lever lock pin 55.

When the vertical center line (not shown) of the penny 09 passes inside of the lower end 72 of the duck-bill AI (Fig. 1), then the duck-bill 0! will jump outwardly to the trailing edge of the penny 69 and permit the actuating levers 43 and 44 to rotate counter-clockwise. The coin rotator spring 50 through the medium of the coin rotator 59, the pawl 02, and the pin 05, will move the levers 43 and 44 downwardly to bring the duckbill 4i into closed position, as illustrated in Fig. l. The penny 60 will be forced inwardly by the duck-bill M into the slotted extension 00, and upon further counter-clockwise rotation of the coin rotator 59, the penny 00 will be brought into contact with the reset lever actuating pin 16.

Continued rotation of the rotator 59 will cause the penny 89 to move the reset pin 76 downwardly in the slot 2i to position A as illustrated in Fig. 2. In this position of the pin It, the distance between the periphery of the coin rotator 55 and the pin 70 (due to the offset relation of the reset lever pivot point i i and the coin rotator pivot point 29) will be slightly greater than the diameter of the penny 69. The pin E6 will therefore be released, permitting the reset spring as to move or return the reset lever 73 in a clockwise direction to the position as illustrated in Fig. l. The coin rotator 59 will continue rotating in a counter-clockwise direction after the release of the pin IE to carry the penny 09 downwardly along the coin chute 20 onto the lower end 82 of aeeimo the detent The penny will then he visible through a small sight glass (not shown) provideo. n the rear of the housing aneously with the counter-cloc on of? the reset lever it, the cluster shaft so moved upwar .ily the lint: @i. During the upward of the the ratchet pawl wi first engage the ratchet gear til and then the o. t-er t me gear 98 will be disengaged from the main t1 gear ill to permit clockwise rotation of the reset cluster asse .ibly by the spr' lg t ll. The penny tooth of the ratchet his will contact the ratchet stop pawl ii i to stop the indicator opposite the twelve minute marlci -g on the dial 26, as illustrated in 2.

Also, sirultaneously with the upward move-- ment of the cluster shalt 555 (Fig. ll) will contact the actuating pin lit to rotate the flag actiiati g lever ill in a counter-clock wise direction. he free end of the actuating lever ill will contact the pin to raise the warning flag are to the position illustrated in Figs. 2 and 12.

When the pin has "seen released at the A position, permitting the reset lever iii to be released and returned to its starting position, the cluster shaft is lowered through the medium of the $2. the downward movement of the shirt the u. no gears and are engaged and then the pawl is from the ratchet gear the front plate tension lid to place the clock works in opera- The ratchet ltii will immediately be turned counter-clockwise by the action of the paw. spring Mil to the position illustrated Fig. l. The main spring through the medium of the time gear the cluster time gear will then gradually turn the indicator counter-oloclrwise to a position opposite the zero marking on the dial 225. The speed of rotation of the gear and hence th rate at which the parking time expires will be regulated by the timer -n the usual manner.

.o, raised to a position slightly highs an that indicated by dotted lines in I g. 1. The actuating levers l3 will be rotated as in the penny operation to wind the spring 32 and move the coin rotator into coin receiving position. When the nick l passes beneath the lower end 1'2 of duclohill the levers and and the duolohill will he moved counter-clockwise by the action of the coin rotator spring to the position illustrated in Fig. l. nickel will thereby be forced by the duck-bill ll the slotted extension i the coin rotator 59 and be moved downwardly into contact with the reset lever actuating pin Since the nickel has a reater diameter than .-nny, the pin '26 will be oved downwardly 111 the slot to position B 2. The sector ll will simuh taneously rotate the detent in a clockwise direction, permitting a previously inserted coin (not shown) resting thereon to fall through the discharge slot ll into a suitable coin box (not shown).

During the COlllltST-CIGGZWL rotation of the reset lever the cluster will be raised s in the penny operation to engage the ratchet the ratchet gear 29, and disengage pawl l .ith

the time gears Q3 and 3'2. The reset lever is rotated counter-clockwise to a greater extent than in the penny operation however, thereby ra sing the cluster shaft further than in the penny operation. The shaft 553 is raised to an extent that the tooth moves above the ratchet stop pawl iii as he indicator is being set by th spring it i. The large tooth it, however, will engage the stop pawl iii to stop the indicator ills opposite the one hour marl T on the dial 25. When pin re' is the tion B, the pin is released, 1

set spring to rotate the reset lev clockwise direction back to the posi trated in 1. As the reset lever i. in a clockwise direction, the cluster sha. again be lowered the time ii and CumoZatiee indexing For illustrative purposes only, it is assumed that a n ckel (not shown) has be n inserted previously 1n the meter it and res time, for example, forty minutes, is inoioated as available. Upon insertion of another ni kel (not shown) in the coin slot it, the duck h' be moved upwardly and the operation of the tuating levers and coin rotatcr and r lever it will be the same as stated abovefor nickel operation. As previously set forth, duriupward movement of the cluster the ratchet pawl M35 engages the ratchet gear till we vious t the disengagement of the time @3 and the ll ator liiii will be locked to the ratchet Hi2 and be retain d on gosite the forty minute roaming on the dial during disengagement or the time gears tit and It should also be noted that ratchet will be in the position illustrated in 1 when the new nickel is .rtec in the meter. Thus, it will be seen that the ratchet is turned clockwise the resetting of the indicator iilil through the same are as in the origin 1 nickel operation. The indicator ltd will therefore he moved through the same are to increase the available parking time by one hour, thereby cunnilating the parking tiv In the event a penny s inserted in the it when parking time is indicated as available. it will be readily seen that an additional twelve minutes will he added to the available time. A suitable stop (not shown) may be provided o the ratchet gear to niathe mum paiting time that may he to any desired limit-f.or example, two hour shown.

One of the tant oi the oresent meter is the co i oactness of s Referr ng to Fig. 3, it will be seen that the entire meter may installed in one sectional half portion the meter housing A mechanism similar to the mechanism M (not she 11) readily placed in the opposite sectior portion (not hown) of the housing 85 cc only called a twin meter.

twin meter is ally installed between two Fri-g spaces and is one supporting stand or p" onired.

From the fore oing, it apparent that the present lLVfiEll'DlGA provides an automatic winding type selective coin operated parking meter, wherein the clock works of the meter are caused to be wound by the force of the operators fingers through the insertion of a coin in the meter. The meter will operate on more than one denomination of the coins, as well as multiple coins of each of the denominations. The extent to which the clock works is wound each time a coin is inserted in the meter may be varied as desired, by changing the position of a single Winding pawl. The coin is moved through the meter by the energy of a spring to actuate the resetting and indicating mechanism. Furthermore, the meter cannot be jammed by the successive insertion of two or more coins and the resetting mechanism cannot be mischievously tripped to obtain free parking time. In addition, the meter mechanism is readily adapted for use as a single meter, or may utilize two mechanisms in the housing to provide for twin or double meter operation. The meter is obviously simple in construction as compared with like devices and may be easily repaired and adlusted.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts as heretofore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings, it being understood that any modification in the precise embodiment of the invention may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. In a parking meter comprising a clock works, time indicating means adapted to be driven by said clock works for indicating the parking time utilized, clock winding means for winding said clock works, a coin inlet slot, a pair of actuating levers, a closure member carried by said actuating levers and normally extending into said coin inlet slot, said closure member responsive to a coin inserted in the inlet slot for movement out of said inlet slot with a simultaneous rotation of said actuatin levers, means carried by one of said actuating levers for actuating said clock winding means upon rotation of said actuating lever, a spring loaded coin rotator adapted to move said coin through the meter, a push pin carried by said coin rotator cooperating with the other of said actuating levers to move said coin rotator into coin receiving position, and a reset lever actuated by said coin when moved by the coin rotator to reset said time indicating means.

2. In a coin controlled parking meter the combination of a clock works, time indicating means driven by said clock works for indicating the parking time utilized, a coin inlet slot, a spring loaded coin rotator for moving the coin through the meter, an actuating lever extending to a position opposite the coin inlet slot and adapted to be moved by the coin to move the coin rotator into coin receiving position, a reset lever for resetting said time indicating means, an actuating pin carried by said reset lever in the path of movement of a coin being moved through the meter by said coin rotator, said reset lever being pivotal about a point in spaced relation to the pivotal axis of said coin rotator, whereby upon simultaneous rotation of said coin rotator and said reset lever the distance between said reset lever actuating pin and said coin rotator is increased to provide for the passage of the coin beyond said actuating pin at a predetermined point.

3. In a parking meter comprising a clock works, time indicating means driven by said clock works for indicating the parking time utilized, a coin inlet slot, an actuating lever extending into said coin inlet slot and responsive to a coin inserted in said slot for rotation away from the slot, means for moving the coin through the meter, a reset lever actuated by the coin moving through the meter for resetting said time indicating means, a lock pin carried by said reset lever, slot means in said actuating lever for receiving said lock pin upon rotation of said actuating lever to lock said reset lever in one position thereof, and cam means on said actuating lever adapted to be contacted by said lock pin upon rotation of said reset lever to preclude rotation of said actuating lever awa from said coin slot.

4. In a parking meter comprising a clock works, time indicating means driven by said clock works for indicating the parking time utilized, a coin inlet slot, a pivotable actuating lever, a closure member carried by said actuating lever and normally closing said coin slot, said closure member responsive to a coin inserted in said coin slot for opening said slot anad rotating said actuating lever, means for moving the coin through the meter, a reset lever actuated by the coin moving through the meter for resetting said time indicating means, a lock pin carried by said reset lever, slot means in said actuating lever for receiving said lock pin when said coin slot is opened to lock said reset lever in one position thereof, and cam means on said actuating lever for contacting said lock pin upon movement of said reset lever to preclude movement of the closure member away from said coin slot.

5. In a parking meter comprising a clock Works, time indicating means driven by said clock works for indicating the parking time utilized, a coin inlet slot, a pivotable actuating lever, a closure member carried by said actuating lever and normally closing said coin slot, said closure member responsive to a coin inserted in said coin slot for opening said slot and rotating said actuating lever, a spring loaded coin rotator for moving the coin through the meter, a push pin carried by said coin rotator cooperating with said actuating lever upon rotation thereof to move said coin rotator into coin receiving position, a reset lever actuated by the coin when moved by said coin rotator for resetting said time indicating means, a lock pin carried by said reset lever, slot means in said actuating lever for receiving said lock pin when said coin slot is opened to lock said reset lever in one position thereof, and cam means on said actuating lever for contacting said lock pin upon rotation of said reset lever to preclude movement of the closure member from said coin slot.

6. In a parking meter comprising a clock works, time indicating means driven by said clock works for indicating the parking time utilized, a coin inlet slot, a pivotable actuating lever, a closure member carried by said actuating lever and normally closing said coin slot, said closure member responsive to a coin inserted in said coin slot for opening said slot and rotating said actuating lever, means for moving the coin through the meter, a reset lever actuated by the coin moving through the meter for resetting said time indicating means, a lock pin carried by said reset 1 ver, and slot means in said actuating lever for receiving said lock Din when said coin slot is opened to lock said reset lever in one position thereof.

"7. In a parking meter comprising a clock Works, time indioa ing d iven by said clock works for indicating t a coin inlet a rive-table actual g over, a clo ure by said actuatin lever coin slot, saicl closure coin inserted. in said coin slo and. rotating said. actuating lever, to .g the coin through the meter, a reset le er aetilatecl by the coin move esetting time incarried by saicl reset aotuat lever rot; 1011 or" rent of the closure lever, and. c for contacting s reset lever to BL member a inlet slot, member as slot, sari closure member inserted in said coin slot for opening slot rotating said actuating lever, for mov the coin through the meter, reset lever actuated by the coin moving th ough the time means on responsive to coin aetii a elude "l"[- of "eset lever When said coin -l slot is opened, and. to loci: said e10 sure member slot upon movement of said reset lever.

9. in a parking meter comprising a clock works, a retire-Ely nioveahle et cluster shaft, 2, cluster gear assembly rotatahlv disposed on said ater oarriesl said ti'ne gear as ioating the parking time utilized, 1 t, means for moving a coin through the meter, reset lever oonneoted to said reset cluster sh J and aotuated. by the coin moving through the mete accordance with the deation of coin for moving said. cluster shaft radi lly and disengaging saicl cluster time gear asse o y from said clock Works, ratchet means eng tog said. cluster time gear assembly during said radial movement of said reset cluster shaft previous to the disengagezr nt of cluster time gear .213 and said clock Works,

spring means s ting said. time indicator upon disengagement of said. cluster that gear asses.

from so works, stop means engagratchet means in accordance with the re. ial movement of reset cluster shaft for setting said time indicator at a predetermined point according to the denomination of the coin, spring means for returning said reset lever to normal position engaging said cluster time gear asse y with said cloak Wo ks.

gs t pr for openin l lever, a s

paw. means by i nto coin slot prior to acumcoin through the meter, a push 13111 e" 1 by sa .oin rotator sooperating with s actuating ler rotation. thereof to coin. rotate: into eoin receiving position. a

reset lever actuated by the coin when coin rotator f r resetting ing means, a loo in on said a or greater pivotal radius than gaging said. look 1311 when so. moved. into coin. receiving position, W the release said closure member by actuating lever is moved a rota tional so: closure member into said coin inlet slot prior to actuation of said reset lever.

3.3. In a coin. controilecl prsizig a clock works, eating means driven r5 said. aloe-l: works for indicating the parking time utilized, a inlet slot, a in-2 loaded. coin rotator for moving the down we \lly through the meter, extending to a sition oroosite the rel. 1nle.;slot responsive to a eoi lliserteii in saio slot move the coin rotator .to coin re wing ting time a lever for reset ing means, an actuating pin oarried by lever tl' rout e path of movement of a com being i ter by said. coin rotator,

'eset lever eeing heiow the the pivotal J of pivotal axis of said coin rotator to provide a progressively increasing distance between said actuating pin and said coin rotator during simultaneous rotation of said coin rotator and said reset lever, whereby said actuating pin is released at a predetermined point in accordance with the denomination of the coin.

14. In a parking meter comprising a clock works, a radially moveable cluster shaft, time indicating means carried by said cluster shaft and driven by said clock works for indicating the parking time utilized, a coin inlet slot, means for moving a coin through the meter, reset means actuated by the coin moving through the meter for moving said cluster shaft radially and resetting said time indicating means, a pivotable supporting lever for one end of said cluster shaft, a warning flag, and lever means interconnecting said supporting lever and said warning flag for actuating said warning flag upon radial movement of said cluster shaft in one direction, said lever means also being interconnected to said time indicating means to actuate said warning flag upon expiration of the parking time.

15. In a parking meter comprising a housing, a clock works in the housing, time indicating means driven by said clock works for indicating the parking time utilized, a coin inlet slot, an, actuating lever, a closure member pivotally carried by said actuating lever and normally extending into said coin slot for closing said coin slot, stop means carried by said actuating lever precluding inward movement of said closure member relative to said actuating lever, whereby upon insertion of a coin in said coin slot said closure member is moved essentially vertically out of said coin slot to move said actuating lever in one direction, spring means for moving said actuating lever in a direction opposite to said first mentioned direction, whereby upon insertion of the coin beyond the end of said closure member normally disposed in said coin slot, said closure member is released and turned outwardly to a position along the outer edge of the coin to re-enter said coin slot, a shoulder in said housing for simultaneously turning said closure member to normal angular position during movement thereof into said coin slot whereby the coin is moved into the meter, and a reset lever actuated by the coin for resetting said time indicating means.

16. In a parking meter comprising a housing, a clock works in the housing, time indicating means driven by said clock works for indicating the parking time utilized, a coin inlet slot, an actuating lever, a closur member pivotally carried by said actuating lever and normally extending into said coin slot, stop means carried by said actuating lever precluding inward movement of said closure member relative to said actuating lever, whereby upon the insertion of a coin in said coin slot said closure member is moved essentially vertically out 01' said coin slot to move said actuating lever in one direction, a spring loaded coin rotator for moving the coin through the meter, a push pin carried by said coin rotator and cooperating with said actuating lever to move said coin rotator into coin receiving position opposite said coin slot upon movement of said actuating lever in said one direction, a lock pin on said actuating lever, a pawl carried by said coin rotator and cooperating with said lock pin for moving said actuating lever in a direction opposite to said first mentioned direction, whereby upon insertion of the coin beyond the end of said closure member normally disposed in said coin slot, said closure member is released and turned outwardly to a position along the outer edge of the coin to re-enter said coin slot, a shoulder in said housing for simultaneously turning said closure member to normal angular position during movement thereof into said coin slot whereby the coin is forced into said coin rotator, and a reset lever actuated by the coin when moved by said coin rotator for resetting said time indicating means.

17. In a parking meter comprising a clock works, time indicating means adapted to be driven by said clock works for indicating the parking time utilized, clock winding means for winding said clock works, a coin inlet slot, a pair of actuating levers, a closure member carried by said actuating levers and normally extending into said coin inlet slot, said closure member responsive to a coin inserted in the inlet slot for movement out of said inlet slot with a simultaneous rotation of said actuating levers, means carried by one of said actuating levers for actuating said clock winding means upon rotation of said actuating lever, a coin rotator to move said coin through the meter, means cooperating between said coin rotator and the other of said actuating levers to move said coin rotator into coin receiving position upon movement of said other actuating lever, and a reset lever actuated by said coin when moved by the coin rotator to reset said time indicating means.

GERALD A. HALE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,256,398 Lucia Sept. 16, 1941 2,268,716 Michaels Jan. 6, 1942 2,349,359 MacCordy May 23, 1944 2,532,906 Hale Dec. 5, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 20,676 Great Britain of 1894 323,179 Great Britain Dec. 16, 1929 486,611 Great Britain June 1, 1937 

